New Hunter - First Hunting Rifle Suggestions

[44 mag]

With Encore you can have as many barrels as you can afford or want, including a ML or shotgun barrel. Just swap them out on same frame. ML will require a different forearm though.

I use Butler Creek Alaskan slings on all my single shots. They have 4 ammo loops on them which is handy if a follow up shot is needed.

The only bad thing about an Encore is they are not being made and finding them and or barrels are expensive

 

[SolaBeard]

If you are looking for a single shot then look at CVA scouts. They are very nice guns and you should be able to find one well under $500. They are extremely accurate with good triggers

Yeah, that's one I've been considering. Very intrigued by it! Do you have one?

 

[44 mag]

Yeah, that's one I've been considering. Very intrigued by it! Do you have one?

I have 3 actually 7-08, 243 and a 35 Whelen The 7-08 and 243 are my kids but I have used them more than they have. This is my 35 last weekend

 

[SolaBeard]

I have 3 actually 7-08, 243 and a 35 Whelen The 7-08 and 243 are my kids but I have used them more than they have. This is my 35 last weekend

Nice! Have you ever been in a situation where you wish you would have had a bolt-action? Or can you get a pretty quick reload from the stock sleeve you have on it? Based on what you know, would you recommend a single shot starting out or bolt-action?

 

[Red-Team-98]

308 Win with 150gr bullets for deer
Bergara Ridge
Most excellent barrel and trigger
Bolt action over Single shot

 

[SolaBeard]

308 Win with 150gr bullets for deer
Bergara Ridge
Most excellent barrel and trigger
Bolt action over Single shot

Would love to have a Bergara, but they are well out of my budget range

 

[44 mag]

Nice! Have you ever been in a situation where you wish you would have had a bolt-action? Or can you get a pretty quick reload from the stock sleeve you have on it? Based on what you know, would you recommend a single shot starting out or bolt-action?

It's definitely not a quick as just running the bolt if you need a follow up. I have not run across a situation where I feel hindered by the single shot. Not saying it will never happen just not yet.

 

[44 mag]

It's probably been mentioned above but if you are looking for a bolt action the Ruger American is a very nice budget gun as well.

 

[Red-Team-98]

308 Win with 150gr bullets for deer
Bergara Ridge
Most excellent barrel and trigger

Would love to have a Bergara, but they are well out of my budget range

The Bergara Ridge runs about $800

 

[Red-Team-98]

The hunter safety course is not only a great suggestion, but required by law. (According to his age..mid 30s)

Although it was part of my High School courses requirements in 1977 was the first Hunter Safety course I went thru. The next Hunter Safety Course which was voluntary in Alaska with youngest son at 16 several years ago …….it was a blast.

 

[Red-Team-98]

The hunter safety course is not only a great suggestion, but required by law. (According to his age..mid 30s)

Although it was part of my High School courses requirements in 1977 was the first Hunter Safety course I went thru. The next Hunter Safety Course which was voluntary in Alaska with my youngest son at 16 several years ago …….it was a blast

 

[rifle02]

Do you think you'd recommend the Axis over the American?

I would recommend Ruger American over Savage Axis any day of the week. Both have cheap crappy stocks but the Ruger American is a much better built rifle.

 

[hoghunter65]

I have a Ruger American compact in 308 20in barrel with a muzzle brake, very little recoil, I also have a CVA Scout in 35 rem which I carry a lot.

 

[hoghunter65]

I would recommend Ruger American over Savage Axis any day of the week. Both have cheap crappy stocks but the Ruger American is a much better built rifle.

Was just on buds gun shop sight and Savage has apparently had enough griping about their flimsy stocks, they now have an Axis ll with a wood stock, really a good looking rifle.

 

[deerfever]

I have a savage 110 Apex hunter XP 308 that came with a vortex scope. The gun is an absolute Tack driver , light , compact and I love the Accu trigger. You have your gun , scope and are ready to hunt. I wouldn't hesitate to get the Savage. 308 it is a great all round caliber. With that being said there is nothing wrong with the 243 . I have a Mossberg Patriot with the LBA trigger that is also a tack driver, great gun. The trigger is very similar to the Accu trigger of the Savage the scope it came with was not adequate at all , I replaced it. If it was me 308 would be my caliber if I had just one . Good luck! Lots of good advice on here!

 

[JeepKuntry]

I would do the 308 over 243. I am partial to my .270 though.

 

[SolaBeard]

I have a Ruger American compact in 308 20in barrel with a muzzle brake, very little recoil, I also have a CVA Scout in 35 rem which I carry a lot.

Do you happen to have a picture of your Scout setup? Would you recommend a single shot for a new hunter?

 

[hoghunter65]

Do you happen to have a picture of your Scout setup? Would you recommend a single shot for a new hunter?

Do you happen to have a picture of your Scout setup? Would you recommend a single shot for a new hunter?

I'll get you a picture when I get home, I do recommend a single shot not just for New hunters but for everyone, but then I just like single shots, I would love to have a Ruger #1 in .257 Roberts or 7x57 but not willing to pay the huge prices their bringing today.

 

[SolaBeard]

I'll get you a picture when I get home, I do recommend a single shot not just for New hunters but for everyone, but then I just like single shots, I would love to have a Ruger #1 in .257 Roberts or 7x57 but not willing to pay the huge prices their bringing today.

I feel ya! Thanks for your input.

 

[Tenntrapper]

I have a savage 110 Apex hunter XP 308 that came with a vortex scope. The gun is an absolute Tack driver , light , compact and I love the Accu trigger. You have your gun , scope and are ready to hunt. I wouldn't hesitate to get the Savage. 308 it is a great all round caliber. With that being said there is nothing wrong with the 243 . I have a Mossberg Patriot with the LBA trigger that is also a tack driver, great gun. The trigger is very similar to the Accu trigger of the Savage the scope it came with was not adequate at all , I replaced it. If it was me 308 would be my caliber if I had just one . Good luck! Lots of good advice on here!

I have the same rifle, except in 6.5-284 Norma. I sold the vortex scope and put a Nikon monarch 3 on it that I had extra. This is a great caliber...but I wouldn't recommend to anyone not a reloader or on a budget. Ammo just way to high.